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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps that allow us to stay connected with each other. But there has been some recent news about changes in the company's privacy policies. This led to many people using alternative methods of communication. Although WhatsApp's safety and privacy have gradually improved with time, the question that still remains is whether or not Whatsapp is safe to use. WhatsApp offers safe data transfer due to its end-to-end encryption for text messages, voice messages, voice calls, video calls, and file sharing. Table of Contents End-to-End Encryption: Is WhatsApp Safe to Use for Texting? WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook, Which One is Safe? How Safe Are WhatsApp Video Calls? WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype - Which One Is Safe For Video Call? Why is WhatsApp Not Safe? Conclusion - How Safe is WhatsApp to Use End-to-End Encryption: Is WhatsApp Safe to Use for Texting? Ever since WhatsApp announced its data sharing policy with Facebook, people have been hesitant to use the app. So, is WhatsApp safe to use for texting? Let’s find out. Your data, including text messages, is still encrypted. So, it will only remain private to you and the person the message is sent to. Even WhatsApp cannot access this information as the encryption key is stored in the user device. Your data cannot be unlocked without the key, and WhatsApp implicitly uses a key stored in your device to encrypt your every message. The company only stores an unsent message in its servers but deletes it once it is successfully sent. “There are absolutely no independent, verifiable, authoritative audits that show that the WhatsApp app is secure, so in fact, we see it as not secure,” said Alex Walker of . “In peer to peer encryption even though there are relay servers in between to forward your messages to your friends mobile, they can’t decrypt the data. So whatever it is that you want to share with anyone will safely reach them without having it tampered,” he added. Apps UK WhatsApp uses AES256 encryption, which is impossible to decrypt. The 256-bit key size in AES would theoretically take billions of years to break using the power offered by modern computing technology. That being said, the problem comes with the metadata. It provides information that is related to your data (e.g., text messages, voice messages, voice calls). This the who, why, and where of your texts. It could also provide information about the device that you used. information includes Although WhatsApp does collect data from you, it is almost negligible as compared to other apps like Snapchat or Facebook. So, WhatsApp is not the biggest violator of privacy. WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook, Which One is Safe? All three apps allow individuals to delete messages. However, messages in WhatsApp are encrypted, while that is not the case with Instagram or Facebook. This feature makes WhatsApp the safest option to use, especially if privacy is one of your biggest concerns. How Safe are WhatsApp Video Calls? Just like WhatsApp messages, video calls made through the app are also encrypted and are thus safe (safer than other platforms at least). Video calls are only initiated after WhatsApp internally shares an encoded message between the call participants as a handshake. It is important to trust the person you have a video call with. Anyone can screen record your conversation and reveal it to the public. In addition to that, devices infected with malware can capture the audio and video content by monitoring the device's screen, speakers, camera, and microphone. WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype - Which One is Safe For Video Calls? WhatsApp calls are encrypted; thus they are secure. WhatsApp does offer a web app, but to use it, you need to make a connection with your device. That is because WhatsApp does not store your data in the cloud. Although texts, calls, and other communications made through Telegram are encrypted, it stores your data in the cloud. They do it so that your information can be accessed through multiple devices. Even when your web or phone app is inaccessible. Skype historically and other third parties to wiretap and listen in on your conversations, a breach of privacy for users. Although Skype has recently announced encryption for texts and voice calls, this feature is not enabled as default. So, Skype’s customer privacy policy is not considered to be the best. allowed the government Keeping these factors in mind, WhatsApp is the safest platform to have video calls with your loved ones. To make WhatsApp even safer to use, ensure that you stop malicious content from infecting your phone. This can be done by not opening links and unknown attachments. Disabling the option to automatically save images can also be beneficial. In this way, you can stop any unknown file from accessing your phone’s content. Enable “Show Security Notifications” in your WhatsApp settings. This will help you know if you are talking to an imposter or not. Hiding the profile picture from those who are not on our contact list can also prove to be helpful against social engineering attacks. One must also be careful when adding strangers as friends. Moreover, you can also enable . The first level in this is biometric authentication. In the second level, you receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number. two-factor authentication for extra security It is also important to log out of the WhatsApp web, especially if you are logged in on a public computer. Failure to do so gives other users access to your account. This can result in the misuse of confidential information. It is also a good thing to secure your device with antivirus software as it amps up your device’s security. Most WhatsApp updates have the latest security features. These features protect the app from hackers. So, it is helpful to keep your WhatsApp updated to stay safe. How is WhatsApp Not Safe? We should also ask, “How is WhatsApp Not Safe?”. WhatsApp is not safe because despite being end-to-end encrypted, it does ask for your contacts. This puts your personal information at risk. The company also tracks the amount of time you spend using the app and shares it with Facebook. Moreover, there are always malware threats that one needs to be aware of. There is another crack in WhatsApp privacy - messages that were backed up to Google Drive were not encrypted. It was only in September this year that WhatsApp rolled an update to support encrypted backups, so make sure to update it. In August 2019, a security firm Check Point for Android. The security bug could let a hacker crash the messaging app in a group chat and make the users use it further only after reinstalling. WhatsApp patched the issue in September with version 2.19.58. found a security bug in WhatsApp Even though WhatsApp is safe, it is not invulnerable to hackers. So, remember that in this tech-savvy world, anything is possible. There are chances for your information to be leaked even with the safest of apps. There is one special case highlighted by Sean O'Brien of Yale Privacy Lab, that conversations are forwarded to moderators if someone “reports” you. This means that your conversation can be forwarded to Facebook without your review and is clearly done so unencrypted. For people in group conversations, this is a very real threat. Conclusion - How Safe is WhatsApp to Use? So, is WhatsApp safe to use? Yes! Despite the few concerns that users may have with WhatsApp, it is safe to use. Its privacy settings are way better than Facebook or Instagram. With recent updates, it also allows an individual to delete a message after it is sent. Disappearing messages allows a self-destruction timer that deletes conversations after seven days. You can send “view once” images that are deleted after being viewed one time. WhatsApp has many users so the company has to maintain good security measures, which it does. Join our to discuss more about cybersecurity, technology, and more! community

Is WhatsApp Safe for Texting and Video Calls?

¿Es seguro WhatsApp para mensajes de texto y videollamadas?

We’ve all seen them. The drivers driving like car lanes are optional and the highway is a slalom slope. When we finally pass them, we are not surprised to see a phone in their hand. We shake our head in disbelief, only to realize that we have been that person. exact Texting and driving is an enormous problem. It essentially means driving machines weighing tonnes, going 80 miles an hour, while sporadically closing your eyes for three seconds at a time. Different approaches have been tried to prevent this problem, not the least legislative ones. Upon realization of how dangerous texting while driving actually is, many countries have taken the action to completely ban cell phone use while driving. However, a concluded that universal texting bans in cars were not associated with fewer people texting, and that deeper interventional and educational work was needed. study from 2018 Before anything else, let me be very clear of my opinion: In a world where most of us are slaves to any small notification that appears, driving should be the last place where we surrender to these distractions. I don’t believe that there is any more preferable solution to this problem than people simply letting their phones rest. , neuroscientist Sam Harris presented a horrifying idea for a website that would undoubtedly put things into perspective for people: In an interview in The Drive Imagine a website where you present the texts that were the proximate cause of death. The juxtaposition of what people felt couldn’t wait another 30 seconds, or another 30 minutes, and the tragedy… It would be astonishing. Picture a table, where the left field shows the victim of death; “Mother of two”, and the right displays the text message that caused the fatal accident; “I had two eggs for breakfast, how about you?”. Most likely, the majority of the texts would prove to be similarly trivial. Yet, the sad truth is that people will not stop texting in their cars. Even if presented with horrendous statistics and stories, most of us are convinced that these accidents only happen to other unskillful drivers. . I probably would to. 77 percent of adult drivers claim they can “easily manage” texting and driving If neither legislative action nor social pressure will stop drivers from texting in their cars, we are left with one option; to make texting while driving , and right now, that means looking into voice technology. as safe as possible Voice Voice is a comparatively new technology, but it has already become interesting. Voice assistants like Alexa and Siri are starting to turn into actual embodiments of AI, delivering multiple advanced functions to us from a simple voice command. One of which, is . very texting If people are going to text in their cars even when illegal, the first step we need to take is to make sure they do it without looking at a shiny screen, and voice assistants are the antidote to that. Voice-to-text technology has the potential to become synonymous to someone next to you in your car. If you find yourself texting while driving, I would recommend getting a voice assistant. There are plenty to choose from: : Compatible with Android and iOS Smart Devices. USB-charger/Voice-assistant. Does everything from text messaging to giving directions and playing your favorite audiobook. Roav VIVA : Like above, without charging. Claims to do more, a bit better-looking. Garmin Speak Amazon’s new is coming sometime this year soon and . Echo Auto it’s looking pretty good If you’re using Android you might be able to use Google Assistant with the app. . Android Auto See here if your car is compatible Of course, if you have a smartphone, chances are you already have a competent voice robot in your pocket, which brings me to the . phone mount Phone mount As VC and writer Riva Tez once tweeted: I wonder how many accidents would be avoided and lives would be saved if we simply made it mandatory for all cars to come with built-in cell/mobile holders (why isn’t this law?!) If governments want to find a regulation with 100 percent certainty of lives saved, requiring car manufacturers to have their cars come with a phone holder would be one. For the time being, I’ve gotten one for myself, and I highly recommend it: Mpow 033 iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard LMGTFY (I don’t know that there is any difference between those particular ones, I mean, how good could a phone holder be? Any will do.) Temporary solution Of course, there is more a driver can do on a phone than texting. I have no clue what to do about the so called “driving and swiping problem” for instance. But there is no reason why we shouldn’t make every area we can affect as safe as possible. Texting while driving truly is a devastating issue. have found it to be more dangerous than drunk driving, which in my opinion should suffice as a basis for a discussion regarding harsher sentences. Several studies There are certainly reasons to be doubtful of voice assistants in cars. that showed that voice applications doesn’t really outperform texting regarding safety. However, the study was done in 2013 with participants using fairly underdeveloped versions of Siri and Vlingo. Today, voice assistants are much faster and more capable, and they have plenty of room for improvement. One study has been done 43 Voice applications for cars is certainly another form of distraction, and the alternative of no mobile stimulus at all, is much safer. But at a large scale, people will not put their phones down in their cars, and if we close our eyes to that fact, we can’t improve it. So while we wait for innovations that automatically turn off our phones above 10 mph, or cars so good at driving that we don’t even need to care about the steering wheel anymore, let’s do what we can to make technology work for our safety. themselves

People Are Not Going to Stop Texting And Driving

Everyday I commute to work or drive I notice the amount of drivers that still text and drive. Observing drivers next to me as I pass them by while they go below the speed limit to “stay safe,” or seeing the person in front looking down every two seconds from their side view mirror, It’s alarming. Who or what so important to risk lives for over a text message? Boss? t other? Do you think their recipient would continue the conversation knowing they were on the road? Probably not. Significan Have you ever texted while driving with friends? did they tell you to stop? I hope they did, or you need new friends; just kidding, maybe… Simple Implementation If a sender is going at a speed faster than 10 miles per hour, the recipient would see a message displaying the speed below. (See image) Privacy Is it a privacy concern to allow recipients of messages to see you’re driving? I think not. Don’t want them to know? Then don’t text them! With the new iOS driving feature that auto texts back, perhaps the speed doesn’t need to display since it was an auto generated text message. Disable / Passenger? If a passenger is texting, well…it will also show your speed, however it could be possible to implement a feature that only shows the speed once. Another option would be if a user types along the lines of “no I am not driving” it stops displaying speed. Using the honor system and the thought that someone wouldn’t lie to a loved one about texting and driving, this feature would be quite effective to help stop people from texting while driving. Empathy through others. Imagine you’re texting your significant other, parents, or siblings, someone you care about. The speed is displayed so they ask if you’re driving — are you really going to lie to continue the conversation? I’d hope you stop, or your recipient stops responding. It’s a very simple implementation that I feel through empathy of people that care about you, would cause offenders to stop. If it’s really important call them hands free! What are your thoughts? Be sure to follow me as I do a larger case study on this idea that rewards drivers for not texting and driving!

Stop texting and driving, through empathy.

By: Joshua Roberts Everyone communicates with their friends, family, and in some cases even colleagues. When it comes to apps we are spoiled by the sheer number of choices we can make. We could use any number of applications to communicate, but that does not mean we should. In fact I would only advise a handful of apps to communicate with. The apps I will cover are ones that are trusted with your privacy, and security as a top priority. iMessage iMessage is an app created by Apple for its products running iOS such as the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. Honestly iMessage is a fantastic product. It is designed very well, and offers all the expected features of an app built for communicating. One of the best features is that if you are sending a message to another iOS user then it is sent through iMessage. Now while their are plenty of features, Apples primary focus is security. That’s a big deal. Bigger than most know. At this moment no other tech giant puts so much emphasis on security. Google does a great job, but the one pitfall for android is that it does not have a built-in, end-to-end encrypted messaging application. Apple however separates itself from the crowd with its iMessaging platform. Apple’s iMessage encrypts your messaging end-to-end, which means that even Apple cannot read your message, or its contents. This is rather important considering it was part of Prism. Not everyone knows what Prism was, but to make this article short, it was simply a direct connection between the National Security Agency and multiple tech giants such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. Why does that matter? It allowed the NSA to intercept every communication sent through any company involved in Prism. As a way of saving face with security experts, and its customer base Apple started using end-to-end encryption. What we do know now is that Apple can decrypt all messages sent through iMessage if the device is on iOS 8.0 or below. Not only that if Apple’s servers detect a slow or sporadic connection it sends all messages in plain text, meaning it doesn’t use encryption if you have a bad connection. What’s worse is it doesn’t give you a choice to use encryption or not, and when it sends messages insecurely it does not inform the user as such. Apple’s iMessage has three shortcoming when it comes to security. 1) Its not open-source. That means no-one can verify how secure it is, or what encryption it uses. 2) It does not always use encryption. With all that being said iMessage is still a great choice as a way to send text messages and they be seamlessly secure. However it can’t always be trusted as being secure. 3) It is only available on Apple devices. If you have family, friends, or even colleagues on another operating system such as android, then you will only have the option of using regular text messages or another app. Now comes the question is there an alternative that is better? The answer to that, at least from a security point-of-view, is a resounding yes! Signal by Open-Whisper Systems Signal is a messaging application that seamlessly allows for secure communications. Signal is completely free, open-source, and cross-platform. It can almost be called iMessage for android, and iPhone, but its still unique because it has none of the draw-backs of iMessage. Signal always encrypts your messages before sending them, so long as the person you are texting is also using signal. This is where Signal differs from iMessage. How so? Well first let me explain how Signal is setup vs iMessage. Signal is basically a front and backend messaging service. To set it up you install it, open it, and put in your phone number. After that when you send a text message Signal automatically detects if the phone number your messaging also uses Signal. If the phone number uses Signal, then your communications are and will always be secure with that phone number. iMessage is a backend messaging service and will always intercept messages between registered iOS devices. The draw back to that method is that if an iPhone user loses access to an iPhone, such as its stolen, then that person will have to disable iMessage’s intercepting from a computer in order to begin receiving messages again. That is not saying it’s bad methodology, but that Signals method will always ensure your message is sent. With that being said if Signal does need to send a message that not encrypted you will know, and from there you can choose to go ahead and send the message or not. Lastly Signal has a beta desktop client that allows you to send and receive text from the computer, and it has a feature that isn’t offered through iMessage: encrypted phone calls. Winners? Honestly these are two of the most secure messaging platforms available, and they both handle text messaging. There are other secure messaging apps available, but no others offer encrypting and securing your text messages(SMS) and multimedia messages(MMS) while using your actual phone number. I personally believe Signal is the most secure of the two choices, and honestly its easier so long as you know how to install an app from the app store. Additionally you will never have to worry about the “what if my phone is stolen, lost, or etc” scenarios because using Signal will always ensure that you receive your messages. Apple has improved the process to start receiving your messages again if those scenarios arise, but if it can be avoided all together then that’s the better choice. If your on iOS, you can make the choice for yourself, but if your on android and want something “like” iMessage Signal is the only choice. In any case Signal is also the only messaging application that sends SMS and MMS that received a perfect score for security by the Electronic Frontier Foundation(EFF). If nothing else regardless of platform, try Signal, and I am certain you will be glad you did. Signal for Desktop Download is how hackers start their afternoons. We’re a part of the family. We are now and happy to opportunities. Hacker Noon @AMI accepting submissions discuss advertising &sponsorship To learn more, , , or simply, read our about page like/message us on Facebook tweet/DM @HackerNoon. If you enjoyed this story, we recommend reading our and . Until next time, don’t take the realities of the world for granted! latest tech stories trending tech stories

Most Secure Messaging Apps For Texting

Telegram Mini Apps Are Breathing New Life Into Businesses 

Every OTP you send via SMS is burning through your budget and your users’ patience. It’s clear that SMS-based verification has become a go-to for verifying users and blocking unauthorized access. But spamming users with codes every time they want to log in isn’t winning you any fans, and it’s definitely not cheap. So, how do you protect your users’ accounts without spending more than you need to or annoying the people you’re trying to protect? In this post, I’ll break down strategies to protect accounts without unduly racking up your SMS bill. The cost of SMS verification For businesses, every SMS sent translates to a cost, especially when you're dealing with high-volume applications. For example, popular communications provider Twilio's SMS pricing can go anywhere from $0.0079 to $0.75 per message based on the destination and the carrier! And it's not just legitimate users that are racking up costs. On top of that, SMS pumping scams also add to the bill. While it's not verified, it's estimated that Twitter was losing $60 million a year to SMS pumping before restricting the feature. To reduce your SMS dependency and cut costs without compromising security, you can use other solutions to verify users as an alternative to texting OTPs. Methods to reduce SMS verification costs Reducing SMS costs doesn't mean sacrificing security. By exploring a mix of alternative methods, businesses can maintain strong account protection without relying solely on SMS for every verification. Instead of sending SMS verifications, you could: Use other channels to send codes: Delivering OTPs through push notifications, email, or messaging apps like WhatsApp provides a secure, cost-effective alternative to SMS. Push notifications work well for mobile apps, while email verification links are familiar and easy to implement. WhatsApp message costs are much cheaper in comparison to SMS — for example, Twilio offers pricing ranging from $0.0014 to $0.0768 per authentication conversation for WhatsApp. Each of these channels reduces SMS dependency and costs without compromising security.
Skip sending codes; just validate them: Authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator or Twilio's Authy, enable users to generate their own verification codes, effectively eliminating the need for SMS and often providing a more cost-effective solution. For example, Twilio's TOTP service costs only $0.05 per successful verification. Once set up, this method offers users a convenient way to securely verify user identity while maintaining robust protection against unauthorized access.
Leverage other types of verification: Beyond codes, techniques like biometrics offer effective ways to authenticate users without SMS when available. Biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, provide a seamless and secure experience, especially on trusted devices. Downsides to SMS Alternatives While these alternatives can certainly reduce costs, changing to them requires adjusting your existing authentication flow, which may not be ideal for every business. SMS remains widely accessible and doesn't require users to download or set up a specific app, such as WhatsApp or Google Authenticator. It's also available for all mobile devices, making it more versatile than methods like biometrics, which are usually confined to smartphones. Additionally, users are often more familiar with SMS-based verification, which can make it a smoother experience with less friction, leading to higher conversion rates and more engagement. These factors make SMS an appealing option, providing accessibility and ease of use that can be hard to match with other verification methods. So how else can businesses cut costs if they want to keep using SMS for user verification, aside from negotiating a better rate with their provider? One effective approach is to reduce the number of SMS messages sent by being strategic about when to trigger them. This is where techniques like device fingerprinting come into play. It allows businesses to identify trusted browsers or devices and only prompt for SMS verification when necessary. What is device fingerprinting? Device fingerprinting is a method for recognizing unique devices based on a combination of their characteristics, such as browser settings, operating system, screen resolution, language preferences, installed plugins, and other non-personally identifiable details. Each device has a distinctive "fingerprint" made up of these attributes, which makes it possible to identify returning users even when traditional methods like cookies aren't available or are deleted. Unlike IP addresses, which are dynamic and easily masked by VPNs or proxies, device fingerprinting offers a more reliable and persistent way to recognize devices. It operates passively without needing to store data on the user's device and is harder to evade. It relies on a diverse set of attributes that are difficult to fake or replicate while remaining effective even as individual elements change over time. This makes it especially effective at detecting and preventing account takeover fraud, as it can uncover patterns of suspicious behavior and attempts to disguise device identity, delivering a strong additional layer of security compared to other recognition methods. Additionally, the attributes collected for device fingerprinting can be used to detect red flags, signaling potentially risky users, such as the use of headless browsers or mismatched time zones. How device recognition can help Once you can reliably recognize a returning device, you can remember trusted devices without putting users through repeated security checks. This recognition brings several advantages: Cost savings: Recognizing a returning user's device as trusted eliminates the need to send an SMS OTP for account login, reducing the frequency of messages and lowering costs.
Better user experience: By identifying trusted devices, legitimate users can skip OTP verification, ensuring faster access to your site or app while reducing frustration.
Stronger security: Ensuring device consistency at login adds an additional layer of hidden verification, protecting customer accounts by making it harder for fraudsters to mimic legitimate users.
Risk detection: Analyzing device attributes can identify suspicious or high-risk devices, allowing you to block potential threats and enhance overall account security. Using device fingerprinting in your login flows not only cuts SMS costs but also strengthens account security and improves user experience. High-level technical implementation At a high level, integrating device recognition means embedding it into your login or user verification flow to identify returning users based on their device and browser characteristics. Identify the user: Whether using custom-built device identification tools or a paid service, begin by gathering characteristics (such as device type, browser, IP address, etc.) and combining them to create a unique identifier.
Assign risk scores: For each user, assign a risk score based on current and previous device attributes and consistency in their characteristics. These factors may include data points like VPN usage, unexpected IP locations, or unusual attributes that indicate possible use of evasion tools.
Implement conditional verification: Skip SMS verification for users logging in from devices recognized as trusted for that account and free of risk flags. SMS verification is only triggered for new or unrecognized devices on the account or when high-risk characteristics, such as headless browser attributes, are detected during login attempts. Stop overspending on SMS user verification By combining SMS OTPs with a smart device recognition layer, you can balance cost efficiency, user convenience, and security. Trusted device recognition reduces the reliance on frequent SMS verification, lowering costs while maintaining strong protection. Unlike IP addresses and cookies, which are easily altered or deleted, device fingerprinting offers a more reliable and persistent way to recognize users. While SMS alone is costly and inconvenient, and skipping verification weakens security, adding device fingerprinting reduces SMS costs, streamlines login flows, and strengthens account protection. Every OTP you send via SMS is burning through your budget and your users’ patience. It’s clear that SMS-based verification has become a go-to for verifying users and blocking unauthorized access. But spamming users with codes every time they want to log in isn’t winning you any fans, and it’s definitely not cheap. So, how do you protect your users’ accounts without spending more than you need to or annoying the people you’re trying to protect? In this post, I’ll break down strategies to protect accounts without unduly racking up your SMS bill. The cost of SMS verification For businesses, every SMS sent translates to a cost, especially when you're dealing with high-volume applications. For example, popular communications provider Twilio's SMS pricing can go anywhere from $0.0079 to $0.75 per message based on the destination and the carrier! And it's not just legitimate users that are racking up costs. On top of that, SMS pumping scams also add to the bill. While it's not verified, it's estimated that Twitter was losing $60 million a year to SMS pumping before restricting the feature. To reduce your SMS dependency and cut costs without compromising security, you can use other solutions to verify users as an alternative to texting OTPs. $0.0079 to $0.75 per message losing $60 million a year to SMS pumping Methods to reduce SMS verification costs Reducing SMS costs doesn't mean sacrificing security. By exploring a mix of alternative methods, businesses can maintain strong account protection without relying solely on SMS for every verification. Instead of sending SMS verifications, you could: Use other channels to send codes: Delivering OTPs through push notifications, email, or messaging apps like WhatsApp provides a secure, cost-effective alternative to SMS. Push notifications work well for mobile apps, while email verification links are familiar and easy to implement. WhatsApp message costs are much cheaper in comparison to SMS — for example, Twilio offers pricing ranging from $0.0014 to $0.0768 per authentication conversation for WhatsApp. Each of these channels reduces SMS dependency and costs without compromising security. Skip sending codes; just validate them: Authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator or Twilio's Authy, enable users to generate their own verification codes, effectively eliminating the need for SMS and often providing a more cost-effective solution. For example, Twilio's TOTP service costs only $0.05 per successful verification. Once set up, this method offers users a convenient way to securely verify user identity while maintaining robust protection against unauthorized access. Leverage other types of verification: Beyond codes, techniques like biometrics offer effective ways to authenticate users without SMS when available. Biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, provide a seamless and secure experience, especially on trusted devices. Use other channels to send codes : Delivering OTPs through push notifications, email, or messaging apps like WhatsApp provides a secure, cost-effective alternative to SMS. Push notifications work well for mobile apps, while email verification links are familiar and easy to implement. WhatsApp message costs are much cheaper in comparison to SMS — for example, Twilio offers pricing ranging from $0.0014 to $0.0768 per authentication conversation for WhatsApp . Each of these channels reduces SMS dependency and costs without compromising security. Use other channels to send codes $0.0014 to $0.0768 per authentication conversation for WhatsApp Skip sending codes; just validate them : Authenticator apps, such as Google Authenticator or Twilio's Authy, enable users to generate their own verification codes, effectively eliminating the need for SMS and often providing a more cost-effective solution. For example, Twilio's TOTP service costs only $0.05 per successful verification . Once set up, this method offers users a convenient way to securely verify user identity while maintaining robust protection against unauthorized access. Skip sending codes; just validate them $0.05 per successful verification Leverage other types of verification : Beyond codes, techniques like biometrics offer effective ways to authenticate users without SMS when available. Biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, provide a seamless and secure experience, especially on trusted devices. Leverage other types of verification Downsides to SMS Alternatives Downsides to SMS Alternatives While these alternatives can certainly reduce costs, changing to them requires adjusting your existing authentication flow, which may not be ideal for every business. SMS remains widely accessible and doesn't require users to download or set up a specific app, such as WhatsApp or Google Authenticator. It's also available for all mobile devices, making it more versatile than methods like biometrics, which are usually confined to smartphones. Additionally, users are often more familiar with SMS-based verification, which can make it a smoother experience with less friction, leading to higher conversion rates and more engagement. These factors make SMS an appealing option, providing accessibility and ease of use that can be hard to match with other verification methods. So how else can businesses cut costs if they want to keep using SMS for user verification, aside from negotiating a better rate with their provider? One effective approach is to reduce the number of SMS messages sent by being strategic about when to trigger them. This is where techniques like device fingerprinting come into play. It allows businesses to identify trusted browsers or devices and only prompt for SMS verification when necessary. What is device fingerprinting? Device fingerprinting is a method for recognizing unique devices based on a combination of their characteristics, such as browser settings, operating system, screen resolution, language preferences, installed plugins, and other non-personally identifiable details. Each device has a distinctive "fingerprint" made up of these attributes, which makes it possible to identify returning users even when traditional methods like cookies aren't available or are deleted. Unlike IP addresses, which are dynamic and easily masked by VPNs or proxies, device fingerprinting offers a more reliable and persistent way to recognize devices. It operates passively without needing to store data on the user's device and is harder to evade. It relies on a diverse set of attributes that are difficult to fake or replicate while remaining effective even as individual elements change over time. This makes it especially effective at detecting and preventing account takeover fraud, as it can uncover patterns of suspicious behavior and attempts to disguise device identity, delivering a strong additional layer of security compared to other recognition methods. Additionally, the attributes collected for device fingerprinting can be used to detect red flags, signaling potentially risky users, such as the use of headless browsers or mismatched time zones. How device recognition can help Once you can reliably recognize a returning device, you can remember trusted devices without putting users through repeated security checks. This recognition brings several advantages: Cost savings: Recognizing a returning user's device as trusted eliminates the need to send an SMS OTP for account login, reducing the frequency of messages and lowering costs. Better user experience: By identifying trusted devices, legitimate users can skip OTP verification, ensuring faster access to your site or app while reducing frustration. Stronger security: Ensuring device consistency at login adds an additional layer of hidden verification, protecting customer accounts by making it harder for fraudsters to mimic legitimate users. Risk detection: Analyzing device attributes can identify suspicious or high-risk devices, allowing you to block potential threats and enhance overall account security. Cost savings : Recognizing a returning user's device as trusted eliminates the need to send an SMS OTP for account login, reducing the frequency of messages and lowering costs. Cost savings Better user experience : By identifying trusted devices, legitimate users can skip OTP verification, ensuring faster access to your site or app while reducing frustration. Better user experience Stronger security : Ensuring device consistency at login adds an additional layer of hidden verification, protecting customer accounts by making it harder for fraudsters to mimic legitimate users. Stronger security Risk detection : Analyzing device attributes can identify suspicious or high-risk devices, allowing you to block potential threats and enhance overall account security. Risk detection Using device fingerprinting in your login flows not only cuts SMS costs but also strengthens account security and improves user experience. High-level technical implementation At a high level, integrating device recognition means embedding it into your login or user verification flow to identify returning users based on their device and browser characteristics. Identify the user: Whether using custom-built device identification tools or a paid service, begin by gathering characteristics (such as device type, browser, IP address, etc.) and combining them to create a unique identifier. Assign risk scores: For each user, assign a risk score based on current and previous device attributes and consistency in their characteristics. These factors may include data points like VPN usage, unexpected IP locations, or unusual attributes that indicate possible use of evasion tools. Implement conditional verification: Skip SMS verification for users logging in from devices recognized as trusted for that account and free of risk flags. SMS verification is only triggered for new or unrecognized devices on the account or when high-risk characteristics, such as headless browser attributes, are detected during login attempts. Identify the user : Whether using custom-built device identification tools or a paid service, begin by gathering characteristics (such as device type, browser, IP address, etc.) and combining them to create a unique identifier. Identify the user Assign risk scores : For each user, assign a risk score based on current and previous device attributes and consistency in their characteristics. These factors may include data points like VPN usage, unexpected IP locations, or unusual attributes that indicate possible use of evasion tools. Assign risk scores Implement conditional verification : Skip SMS verification for users logging in from devices recognized as trusted for that account and free of risk flags. SMS verification is only triggered for new or unrecognized devices on the account or when high-risk characteristics, such as headless browser attributes, are detected during login attempts. Implement conditional verification Stop overspending on SMS user verification By combining SMS OTPs with a smart device recognition layer, you can balance cost efficiency, user convenience, and security. Trusted device recognition reduces the reliance on frequent SMS verification, lowering costs while maintaining strong protection. Unlike IP addresses and cookies, which are easily altered or deleted, device fingerprinting offers a more reliable and persistent way to recognize users. While SMS alone is costly and inconvenient, and skipping verification weakens security, adding device fingerprinting reduces SMS costs, streamlines login flows, and strengthens account protection.

You’re Probably Spending Way Too Much on SMS-Based Verification

በኤስኤምኤስ ላይ የተመሰረተ ማረጋገጫ ላይ በጣም ብዙ ወጪ እያወጡ ይሆናል።

আপনি সম্ভবত এসএমএস-ভিত্তিক যাচাইকরণে অনেক বেশি খরচ করছেন

Probablemente estés gastando demasiado en la verificación por SMS

Probablemente esteas gastando demasiado na verificación baseada en SMS

आप संभवतः एसएमएस-आधारित सत्यापन पर बहुत अधिक खर्च कर रहे हैं

SMSベースの認証に多額の費用をかけすぎている可能性があります

Сіз SMS негізіндегі растауға тым көп жұмсап жатқан шығарсыз

तपाईंले सायद SMS-आधारित प्रमाणीकरणमा धेरै खर्च गरिरहनुभएको छ

Prawdopodobnie wydajesz zbyt dużo na weryfikację opartą na SMS-ach

คุณอาจใช้จ่ายมากเกินไปกับการยืนยันผ่าน SMS

ምናልባት ኣብ ኤስኤምኤስ ዝተመርኮሰ ምርግጋጽ ኣዝዩ ብዙሕ ገንዘብ ትውድእ ኣለኻ

你可能在短信验证上花费太多了

Bitcoin. Rushing to $72,000. The name evokes decentralized revolution and… frustratingly slow, expensive transactions. While Bitcoin's core technology is undeniably revolutionary, its scalability has long been a major hurdle. Enter the Lightning Network: a game-changer poised to catapult Bitcoin into the mainstream and redefine finance. Forget the technical mumbo-jumbo. The Lightning Network isn't just another layer-2 solution; it's Bitcoin's secret weapon, a high-speed express lane built directly on the existing highway. It uses clever off-chain payment channels and smart contracts to enable near-instantaneous, incredibly cheap transactions, all while maintaining Bitcoin's core principles of decentralization and security. Why is this a Big Deal? Imagine using Bitcoin to buy coffee. Transaction fees could easily exceed the cost of the drink itself. This isn't hyperbole; it's the reality of Bitcoin's current limitations. The Lightning Network obliterates this. We're talking micropayments – transactions measured in satoshis (1 BTC = 100 million satoshis) – becoming not just possible, but practical. This isn't just about convenience; it unlocks Bitcoin's full potential. Consider: Global Microtransactions: Cross-border remittances as seamless as texting. The Lightning Network makes this a reality.
Decentralized Apps (dApps) on Steroids: Lightning's speed and low fees create fertile ground for a new generation of dApps, far surpassing current blockchain limitations.
The Death of Payment Gateways: Peer-to-peer payments, bypassing centralized intermediaries, empower individuals and businesses. The Numbers Don't Lie Bitcoin's main blockchain processes roughly seven transactions per second. Visa handles thousands. The Lightning Network? With 48,620 active payment channels (as per 1ML's data), its theoretical throughput reaches a staggering 24.31 million transactions per second. And that number can increase as more nodes and channels join the network. Source: https://glossary.blockstream.com/lightning-network/ The graphic's LN TPS (500 TPS x 85,000 channels) uses outdated channel data (current: 48,620). This isn't just theoretical. The average Bitcoin transaction fee hovers around $1. During peak periods, it soared to $125! With Lightning, a $100 transaction might cost less than a cent. Beyond Speed and Cost: The P2P Revolution The Lightning Network isn't just faster transactions; it's the cornerstone of a truly decentralized, peer-to-peer economy. It's the infrastructure for a world where individuals and businesses transact directly, cutting out the middlemen and fostering a more equitable, efficient financial system. Furthermore, transactions on the Lightning Network don't directly record on the blockchain, enhancing user privacy. This is further improved by innovations like Nervos CKB's Fiber Network, which plans to implement PTLC (Point Time Locked Contracts) building on HTLC (Hash Time Locked Contracts) to enhance privacy even further by using different secret values at each hop in the payment path. The Road Ahead: Stablecoins and Mass Adoption While impressive, the Lightning Network's full potential remains untapped. Integrating stablecoins – cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar – is crucial for mass adoption. This will mitigate Bitcoin's price volatility, making the Lightning Network far more attractive for everyday users and businesses. Initiatives like Lightning Labs' work on LND support for Taproot Assets-based stablecoins and Nervos CKB's Fiber Network's inherent support for custom assets, including stablecoins like Stable++, are paving the way for this integration and will unlock the full potential of the Lightning Network. Source: https://mempool.space/graphs/lightning/capacity#all The Verdict? The Lightning Network isn't just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift. It's the catalyst for Bitcoin's evolution from a volatile store of value to a ubiquitous, everyday payment system. While challenges remain, the potential is undeniable. This isn't just about Bitcoin's future; it's about the future of finance itself. Buckle up. The ride is about to get a whole lot faster. Bitcoin. Rushing to $72,000. The name evokes decentralized revolution and… frustratingly slow, expensive transactions. While Bitcoin's core technology is undeniably revolutionary, its scalability has long been a major hurdle. Enter the Lightning Network: a game-changer poised to catapult Bitcoin into the mainstream and redefine finance. Forget the technical mumbo-jumbo. The Lightning Network isn't just another layer-2 solution; it's Bitcoin's secret weapon, a high-speed express lane built directly on the existing highway. It uses clever off-chain payment channels and smart contracts to enable near-instantaneous, incredibly cheap transactions, all while maintaining Bitcoin's core principles of decentralization and security. Why is this a Big Deal? Imagine using Bitcoin to buy coffee. Transaction fees could easily exceed the cost of the drink itself. This isn't hyperbole; it's the reality of Bitcoin's current limitations. The Lightning Network obliterates this. We're talking micropayments – transactions measured in satoshis (1 BTC = 100 million satoshis) – becoming not just possible, but practical. This isn't just about convenience; it unlocks Bitcoin's full potential. Consider: Global Microtransactions: Cross-border remittances as seamless as texting. The Lightning Network makes this a reality. Decentralized Apps (dApps) on Steroids: Lightning's speed and low fees create fertile ground for a new generation of dApps, far surpassing current blockchain limitations. The Death of Payment Gateways: Peer-to-peer payments, bypassing centralized intermediaries, empower individuals and businesses. Global Microtransactions : Cross-border remittances as seamless as texting. The Lightning Network makes this a reality. Global Microtransactions Decentralized Apps (dApps) on Steroids : Lightning's speed and low fees create fertile ground for a new generation of dApps, far surpassing current blockchain limitations. Decentralized Apps (dApps) on Steroids The Death of Payment Gateways : Peer-to-peer payments, bypassing centralized intermediaries, empower individuals and businesses. The Death of Payment Gateways The Numbers Don't Lie The Numbers Don't Lie Bitcoin's main blockchain processes roughly seven transactions per second. Visa handles thousands. The Lightning Network? With 48,620 active payment channels (as per 1ML's data), its theoretical throughput reaches a staggering 24.31 million transactions per second. And that number can increase as more nodes and channels join the network. Source: https://glossary.blockstream.com/lightning-network/ Source: Source: https://glossary.blockstream.com/lightning-network/ https://glossary.blockstream.com/lightning-network/ https://glossary.blockstream.com/lightning-network/ The graphic's LN TPS (500 TPS x 85,000 channels) uses outdated channel data (current: 48,620). The graphic's LN TPS (500 TPS x 85,000 channels) uses outdated channel data (current: 48,620). The graphic's LN TPS (500 TPS x 85,000 channels) uses outdated channel data (current: 48,620). This isn't just theoretical. The average Bitcoin transaction fee hovers around $1. During peak periods, it soared to $125! With Lightning, a $100 transaction might cost less than a cent. Beyond Speed and Cost: The P2P Revolution The Lightning Network isn't just faster transactions; it's the cornerstone of a truly decentralized, peer-to-peer economy. It's the infrastructure for a world where individuals and businesses transact directly, cutting out the middlemen and fostering a more equitable, efficient financial system. Furthermore, transactions on the Lightning Network don't directly record on the blockchain, enhancing user privacy. This is further improved by innovations like Nervos CKB's Fiber Network, which plans to implement PTLC (Point Time Locked Contracts) building on HTLC (Hash Time Locked Contracts) to enhance privacy even further by using different secret values at each hop in the payment path. The Road Ahead: Stablecoins and Mass Adoption While impressive, the Lightning Network's full potential remains untapped. Integrating stablecoins – cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar – is crucial for mass adoption. This will mitigate Bitcoin's price volatility, making the Lightning Network far more attractive for everyday users and businesses. Initiatives like Lightning Labs' work on LND support for Taproot Assets-based stablecoins and Nervos CKB's Fiber Network's inherent support for custom assets, including stablecoins like Stable++, are paving the way for this integration and will unlock the full potential of the Lightning Network. Source: https://mempool.space/graphs/lightning/capacity#all Source: https://mempool.space/graphs/lightning/capacity#all https://mempool.space/graphs/lightning/capacity#all The Verdict? The Lightning Network isn't just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift. It's the catalyst for Bitcoin's evolution from a volatile store of value to a ubiquitous, everyday payment system. While challenges remain, the potential is undeniable. This isn't just about Bitcoin's future; it's about the future of finance itself. Buckle up. The ride is about to get a whole lot faster.

Deep Dive into Bitcoin's Lightning Network Technology

Ponořte se do technologie Lightning Network společnosti Bitcoin

Análisis en profundidad de la tecnología de la red Lightning de Bitcoin

Sukella syvälle Bitcoinin Lightning Network -teknologiaan

Plonje byen fon nan teknoloji rezo zeklè Bitcoin a

Merüljön el mélyen a Bitcoin Lightning Network technológiájában

צלול עמוק לתוך טכנולוגיית Lightning Network של ביטקוין

ビットコインのライトニングネットワーク技術を詳しく見る

Ponorte sa do technológie Lightning Network spoločnosti Bitcoin

Zhytje e thellë në teknologjinë e rrjetit Lightning të Bitcoin

Дубоко зароните у Битцоин-ову Лигхтнинг Нетворк технологију

“Bitcoin” -iň ýyldyrym tor tehnologiýasyna çuňňur çümmek

Ukuntywila ngokunzulu kwiTekhnoloji yeTekhnoloji yoMbane weBitcoin

Building Vertical SaaS in an Old School Industry: What NOT to Do

Mä Nayra Yatiqañ Utan Industrian SaaS Vertical luraña: Kuns JANIW lurañakiti

একটি পুরানো স্কুল শিল্পে উল্লম্ব SaaS নির্মাণ: কি করা উচিত নয়

Cómo crear SaaS vertical en una industria tradicional: qué NO hacer

Izgradnja vertikalnog SaaS-a u industriji stare škole: Što NE činiti

Vertikális SaaS építése egy régi iskolai iparágban: mit NE tegyünk

旧来の業界で垂直型 SaaS を構築する: やってはいけないこと

ການກໍ່ສ້າງ SaaS ແນວຕັ້ງຢູ່ໃນອຸດສາຫະກໍາໂຮງຮຽນເກົ່າ: ສິ່ງທີ່ບໍ່ຄວນເຮັດ

Vertikāla SaaS izveide vecās skolas nozarē: ko NEDRĪKST darīt

पुरानो विद्यालय उद्योगमा ठाडो SaaS निर्माण गर्दै: के नगर्ने

Kujenga SaaS Wima katika Sekta ya Shule ya Zamani: Nini Usifanye

Köne mekdep pudagynda dik SaaS gurmak: Näme etmeli däl

پرانی اسکول کی صنعت میں عمودی ساس بنانا: کیا نہیں کرنا ہے۔

**LONDON, United Kingdom, October 22nd, 2024/Chainwire/--**Peanut launches the first self-custodial offramp, allowing users to directly cash out any token on 20+ EVM chains to their bank accounts—without relying on centralized exchanges. This beta feature is being rolled out in the EU and US first. This new beta feature creates an important bridge between crypto and fiat. Users can cash out funds from any token on 20+ EVM chains directly in US Dollars or Euros to their bank account. This works by creating a bridge between the blockchains and fiat payments networks like IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT. Peanut’s key feature is texting funds using QR codes or messengers such as WhatsApp, Telegram, email etc. With the self-custodial offramp, recipients can now transfer their funds directly to their bank account without the need to have a wallet themselves. This breakthrough in crypto accessibility makes transferring money across platforms frictionless and user-friendly. In addition to texting funds without worrying whether the recipient uses crypto or fiat, users of self-custodial wallets can now directly offramp into their bank account without using a CEX. “Texting money is now possible,” said Hugo Montenegro, co-founder of Peanut and a Harvard graduate. “This is a major step toward simplifying crypto for everyday use, meaning you can send stablecoins through channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Email etc.” For the beta launch of this new feature, Peanut Protocol will give each user the first 5 transactions for free. Afterwards, a small fee will apply. The minimum cashout amount is $10. About Peanut Peanut is at the forefront of transforming crypto payments with its innovative fully decentralized self-custodial protocol - Peanut Protocol. It enables seamless, cross-chain and offramping transactions. The platform allows users to easily send, receive, cross-chain swap and offramp funds to fiat currencies, making crypto more accessible than ever. Peanut’s unique secret-protected vault smart contracts provide top-tier security, ensuring that funds are only released when a private link is shared by the sender. “Anyone can now send funds seamlessly,” said Derek, CTO of Reown. With support for over 20 blockchain networks and plans to expand to Bitcoin and Solana, Peanut Protocol is committed to simplifying the crypto experience for everyone. As a non-custodial, permissionless solution, Peanut empowers users with full control of their digital assets. Leading blockchain projects such as Blockscout, WalletConnect, and Clave Wallet are already leveraging Peanut’s technology to enhance their user experience. For more information, visit https://peanut.to/ or contact press@peanut.to Contact Co-Founder Konrad Urban Squirrel Labs press@peanut.to This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **LONDON, United Kingdom, October 22nd, 2024/Chainwire/--**Peanut launches the first self-custodial offramp, allowing users to directly cash out any token on 20+ EVM chains to their bank accounts—without relying on centralized exchanges. This beta feature is being rolled out in the EU and US first. This new beta feature creates an important bridge between crypto and fiat. Users can cash out funds from any token on 20+ EVM chains directly in US Dollars or Euros to their bank account. This works by creating a bridge between the blockchains and fiat payments networks like IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT. Peanut’s key feature is texting funds using QR codes or messengers such as WhatsApp, Telegram, email etc. With the self-custodial offramp, recipients can now transfer their funds directly to their bank account without the need to have a wallet themselves. This breakthrough in crypto accessibility makes transferring money across platforms frictionless and user-friendly. In addition to texting funds without worrying whether the recipient uses crypto or fiat, users of self-custodial wallets can now directly offramp into their bank account without using a CEX. “Texting money is now possible,” said Hugo Montenegro, co-founder of Peanut and a Harvard graduate. “This is a major step toward simplifying crypto for everyday use, meaning you can send stablecoins through channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Email etc.” “Texting money is now possible,” said Hugo Montenegro, co-founder of Peanut and a Harvard graduate. “This is a major step toward simplifying crypto for everyday use, meaning you can send stablecoins through channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Email etc.” For the beta launch of this new feature, Peanut Protocol will give each user the first 5 transactions for free. Afterwards, a small fee will apply. The minimum cashout amount is $10. About Peanut Peanut is at the forefront of transforming crypto payments with its innovative fully decentralized self-custodial protocol - Peanut Protocol. It enables seamless, cross-chain and offramping transactions. The platform allows users to easily send, receive, cross-chain swap and offramp funds to fiat currencies, making crypto more accessible than ever. Peanut’s unique secret-protected vault smart contracts provide top-tier security, ensuring that funds are only released when a private link is shared by the sender. “Anyone can now send funds seamlessly,” said Derek, CTO of Reown. “Anyone can now send funds seamlessly,” said Derek, CTO of Reown. With support for over 20 blockchain networks and plans to expand to Bitcoin and Solana, Peanut Protocol is committed to simplifying the crypto experience for everyone. As a non-custodial, permissionless solution, Peanut empowers users with full control of their digital assets. Leading blockchain projects such as Blockscout, WalletConnect, and Clave Wallet are already leveraging Peanut’s technology to enhance their user experience. For more information, visit https://peanut.to/ or contact press@peanut.to Contact Co-Founder Konrad Urban Squirrel Labs press@peanut.to This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. here . here

Peanut Protocol Releases Instant Offramp

The Day a Robot Helped Me Heal 37 Years of Emotional Pain

Kuna urutix mä robotax 37 maraw chuymajan usuchjasiñatak qullañatak yanapt’itu

Dan kada mi je robot pomogao da izliječim 37 godina emocionalnog bola

El día que un robot me ayudó a sanar 37 años de dolor emocional

Päivä, jolloin robotti auttoi minua parantamaan 37 vuoden tunnekipua

ロボットが37年間の心の痛みを癒してくれた日

Mokolo Robot moko Esalisaki Ngai Na Bikisa 37 Ans Ya Pasi Emotionnelle

Hari Robot Membantu Saya Menyembuhkan Kesakitan Emosi 37 Tahun

जुन दिन एक रोबोटले मलाई 37 वर्षको भावनात्मक पीडा निको पार्न मद्दत गर्यो

Dzień, w którym robot pomógł mi wyleczyć 37 lat bólu emocjonalnego

هغه ورځ چې یو روبوټ زما سره د 37 کلونو احساساتي درد په درملنه کې مرسته وکړه

Bir Robotun 37 Yıllık Duygusal Acımı İyileştirmeme Yardımcı Olduğu Gün

جس دن ایک روبوٹ نے 37 سال کے جذباتی درد کو ٹھیک کرنے میں میری مدد کی۔

Stories, News & Mentions about TEXTINGIO

Textingio’s Stories on HackerNoon